Saints today denied reports that they have tabled a £2.5m bid for highly-rated Brighton striker Bobby Zamora.

Speculation surfaced after Saints boss Gordon Strachan watched the Seagulls at home to Peterborough in midweek.

But chairman Rupert Lowe today said: "We have not made any approach. It is incredible how these stories surface.

"Gordon goes to watch a game and suddenly we are supposed to be buying a player."

Saints are unlikely to make any move for Zamora who did not impress Strachan and failed to shine against Southampton in the Worthington League Cup earlier this season.

If anything they are likely to increase their £1m bid for Blackpool striker Brett Ormerod rather than go for Zamora.

Strachan also played it down saying: "I paid a surprise visit on a friend of mine there - and it was a surprise to me because he was out.

"I also took in the game as it was a chance to meet our neighbours, put faces to names and also to look at Peterborough."